LATIMER LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

(September 11, 2008) George Latimer, the Assemblyman representing Westchester's Sound Shore communitites, has formally announced his bid for re-election to a third term in the November 2008 elections. Latimer, 54, is a resident of Rye City and a third- generation Westchester native, who was elected to the Assembly seat in 2004 with nearly 70% of the vote, and re-elected without opposition in 2006.

"This is a time to speak honestly about the challenges we face - not a time for political posturing", Latimer stated. "There are serious issues facing all New Yorkers: local property taxes, education, health care, the environment, energy, reform of government. Finding real solutions that balance financial costs with the services necessary in people's lives, is no easy matter. It takes an understanding of the substance of issues, plus dedication and determination; I believe I have shown that dedication over these past four years; I will work every bit as hard for the next two years."

Latimer joined the Assembly in early 2005, and points to that year as the beginning of changes at hand in Albany. "In 2005, and since, we ended the string of late budgets; we ended the practice of absent floor voting; we opened proceedings to cable TV viewers; even more importantly, this year, we have sliced over $3.7 billion in spending to the 2008-08 state budget from its January presentation to today. We reformed the workmen's compensation fund, and passed legislation for civil confinement for sex offenders. We improved state funding support for our schools, and launched over the past three years the STAR rebate
program for homeowners. These are signs that change is happening - even though we have a long way to go."

The Assemblyman noted that he has passed over 40 bills in the Assembly
in his two terms, with 16 bills signed into law by the Governor. He also
highlighted his energetic style of representation, including hosting
local District Office Hours at area diners, meeting with community
groups and at senior centers, surveying Metro North commuters, and
helping to fund valuable capital projects ranging from Crawford Park in
Rye Town to Stephenson Park in New Rochelle.

He was effective in 2008 in securing $1.2 million in funds for flood
remediation projects along the Sound Shore, in communities hardest hit
by last April's floods. He also spearheaded efforts to close school
district funding gaps with additional state aid in 2008 - assuring
maintenance of education services to children, and forestalling higher
school property tax increases.

Latimer furter outlined that his independent Assembly voting record
included many votes in opposition to the Assembly majority position -
and from the former Governor. "As I have in every post I've held from
city to county to state government, I'm willing to listen to anyone, but
I won't be dictated to by anyone".

He has a twenty-year career in business that included assignments with
major U.S. coproations, overlapping his twenty years in elected office
as Rye City Councilman, Westchester County Legislator and Chairman of
the Board of Legislators, and as State Assemblyman. Latimer is well
known as a community volunteer in groups all along the Sound Shore.

"When people are stressed, financially and otherwise, they may - out of
frustration turn to people who promise easy answers. There are those who
are selling pure partisanship as the answer... but I have learned that
solutions that are effective come with hard work, thoughtful analysis,
and a low-key spirit of working together with everyone. That's the
formula that will move us forward in 2009 and 2010."

Latimer's campaign has been endorsed by a number of environmental groups
including the Sierra Club, and the New York League of Conservation
Voters, respecting his 100% rating from Environmental Advocates, an
Albany-based organization.

Latimer will be on Rows A - C - E, the Democratic, Independence and
Working Families lines. The 91st Assembly District includes all of
Larchmont, Mamaroenck, Port Chester and Rye Brook; the towns of
Mamaroneck and Rye; the city of Rye; and part of the city of New
Rochelle.